WEATHERFIELD stalwart Colson Smith has wowed fans with his epic weight loss.
Speaking to Daily Star, the Coronation Street actor revealed a scrapped storyline contributed to his transformation.
Colson Smith has portrayed Craig Tinker for more than a decade
The actor made his Corrie debut in 2011
His transformation has wowed fans of the ITV soap
Colson Smith has been a familiar face in the cobbles since his debut in 2011 as police constable Craig Tinker – but he looks very different from his first ever episode.
The 24-year-old shed a jaw-dropping ten stone with lifestyle changes and a strict gym routine.
In 2020, Corrie fans may remember his on-screen alter ego trying to get in shape to go through police academy training.
However, the Covid-pandemic altered all plans made for Craig and soap bosses had to drop the storyline altogether.
“Obviously, at the time we did it, it was kind of in line with a storyline at work which we didn’t do with the timing of Covid”, he told Daily Star during this years ITV Palooza.
“But it was perfect, because I was away from the job with nothing to do, so I just took a bit of an investment in myself.”
The soap star implemented a series of changes with the help of a life coach, spending the Covid lockdowns focusing on his lifestyle overhaul.
Colson then admitted: “Yeah, now I don’t look back.”
Along with his diet plan, Colson took up running which quickly became one of his primary passions.
“Two years as a runner. January 10, 2020, I went on my first run… 3086kms later and I’m still loving every km”, he once penned in an Instagram post.
“I’ve learned so much about myself while pounding the pavements and trails wherever I find myself.”
“It’s always a good day to run.”
While his efforts have paid off, Colson had to find a way to maintain his weight loss.
While filming his Coronation Street scenes, he’s been able to rely on the soap’s on set chef.
“Our chef Leon looks after me, so he makes sure that I have chicken and rice every single day”, he told OK! during the Inside Soap Awards.
“A lot of the other cast are a bit disgruntled”, he added, “but there’s always food for everyone.”
Coronation Street continues to air from 8pm on ITV.
Colson got into shape during the Covid lockdowns
He’s gone through a lifestyle overhaul with the help of a life coach
